At The Mike Stand With... Lauren Klemp

By Mike Fitzpatrick

You know, we've really got to have a word with the guy in charge. All this hanging out with hot young actresses such as this week's 'Standee', Lauren Klemp, well, it really takes its toll on a guy. Well, it doesn't really, so don't be going saying stuff to the boss now, you hear me?

Anyway, Jersey girl Lauren's wanted to be an actress since she was eight-years old. Having pursued drama studies throughout high school, she went on to graduate from Fordham University with a degree in Theatre.

Since completing her studies, she's worked with the Moscow Art Theatre at NYU's Stonestreet Studios, as well as having had roles in a number of music videos and short films. More recently, she landed a lead role in the feature film, 'Last Days of Simon', which won the prestigious 'Best Home Grown Feature' award at the Garden State Film Festival. Lauren, welcome to 'The Mike Stand'.

What would you like your own tribute act to be called?
The Australian Womens Olympic Volleyball Team Stand Experience.

Who would be in your supergroup?
Janis Joplin on vocals, Fiona Apple on vocals and piano, David Gilmour and Angus Young on Guitar, Roger Waters on Bass, and then just fill in the rest of the band with members of Muse and Radiohead.

When was the last time you laughed out loud?
This weekend. I took my boyfriend to a Russian restaurant in Brighton Beach for his birthday, and there was this 70 something year old man who karate chopped his way through the dance floor. This man was dead serious, and his moves were fierce! He was hilarious to watch, and surprisingly hard to keep up with!

What act would you have liked to have seen live?
Pink Floyd, Janis Joplin and Michael Jackson.

What team do you support?
I am not much of a sports person, but I guess if I had to pick, I would side with whatever New York team was playing. Unless they are playing against a New Jersey team. Then I gotta represent the home state.

What period in history would you most liked to have visited?
I would have loved to live in the 70s. I love the style and the music! Everything was just so funky!

What song would you have most liked to have written?
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.

Who or what would make you leave a room?
Loud-mouthed, obnoxious people. I have no tolerance for annoying idiots!

What decade rules (and why)?
The 80s ruled!! When I think of the 80s, I think of fun! The movies were great, TV sitcoms were classic, the music was fun, and the style was absolutely insane. Just a total party.

What movie role would you like to have played?
Jenny, from "Forest Gump" and Scarlet from "Gone With the Wind".

Have you ever been told you look like somebody?
I am told I look like everyone! I used to get Christina Ricci all the time. Now I get Rachael Ray a lot. I have been told I look a little like Angelina Jolie once or twice, not so sure that I agree, but I am definitely flattered!

What was the first album you remember buying?
My first CDs were "Beauty and the Beast", and Michael Jackson's "Dangerous".

Who is your favorite Beatle?
I love George, but John is too amazing not to be my favorite.

What's your favorite Christmas song?
"Oh Holy Night" and John Lennon's "Happy Christmas".

Who is the most rock and roll person who ever lived? Keith Richards.

What artist/song/genre do you secretly enjoy listening to?
I listen to a lot of sappy, girly music, and really cheesy 80s power ballads.

Who would you most liked to have met?
Michael Jackson and John Lennon.

What book can you read again and again?
"The World According to Garp". John Irving is a genius.

What's the greatest album ever recorded?
Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon". It's like listening to a movie. It has a beginning, middle, and end, and by the time the last song finishes, you want to start it over and go on the journey again! It's one of the true modern masterpieces.

What sitcom character can you most identify with?
I think that I would have to say Al from "Married with Children" and Eric from "That 70"s Show". Is that weird?

What movie have you seen the most times?
"The Princess Bride". No question. Has been one of my favorite movies since I can remember, and I can quote the entire thing!

What's your favorite cartoon character?
It's really a three way tie between Garfield, Ren from "Ren and Stimpy", and Cartman from "South Park".

What is the greatest place you have ever been to?
I think that I would have to say Spain, because they really know how to live life: work a little, eat, sleep, work a little, eat, party, sleep, repeat. Right up my alley.

What's man's greatest invention?
Aside from the internet? Indoor plumbing. I don't even want to think about what life was like before flushing toilets and running water. Nasty!

What's nature's most useless invention?
The Chia Pet.

Who is the funniest person who ever lived?
I think Robin Williams is hilarious! He just keeps going and going!